Ukrainian Purple Tomato Seeds (Solanum lycopersicum) – Heirloom Eastern European Variety, Deep Plum Fruits with Rich, Bold Flavor
Minimum: 15+ Seeds
If you love tomatoes that are both visually striking and packed with unforgettable flavor, the Ukrainian Purple Tomato will become a cornerstone of your garden. This Eastern European heirloom produces elongated, plum-colored fruits that shine in the summer sun like polished jewels. Slice one open, and you’ll discover dense, meaty flesh with a complex, earthy sweetness and just enough tang to make every bite satisfying. For gardeners who crave something beyond the ordinary red tomato, this is your chance to grow a variety with true character and heritage.
When I grew Ukrainian Purple in my own beds, I was impressed by how dependable and prolific it was. Even in uneven summer weather, the vines delivered basket after basket of fruits, each around 4–6 ounces and shaped like elongated eggs or Roma types. The skin is smooth and glossy, with a deep burgundy-plum color that turns nearly black in full ripeness. But it’s the flavor, rich, smoky, and full-bodied, that keeps me planting this tomato year after year.
🌟 Why Grow Ukrainian Purple Tomatoes?
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Heirloom heritage: A treasured variety passed down from Eastern Europe.
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Unique look: Deep purple-plum skin with meaty interiors.
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Outstanding taste: Bold, complex flavor, rich yet balanced.
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Perfect size: 4–6 oz fruits, ideal for slicing or roasting.
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Reliable producer: Hardy vines with heavy yields throughout the season.
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Culinary versatility: Excels fresh, roasted, or preserved.
📜 History & Heritage:
Ukrainian Purple comes from the fertile soils of Eastern Europe, where tomatoes are grown with pride in cottage gardens and homesteads. These regions favor hearty varieties with both culinary depth and practical utility, and Ukrainian Purple is no exception. Its distinctive color and robust flavor embody the old-world tradition of growing food that’s as beautiful as it is nourishing. Today, it’s a favorite among seed collectors and chefs looking to explore rare tomato varieties with a story.
🍴 Culinary Uses:
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Fresh eating: Slice for sandwiches, salads, and charcuterie boards, its rich flavor stands out.
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Roasting & grilling: Caramelizes into smoky-sweet perfection.
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Sauces & stews: Meaty flesh cooks down thick without watering out.
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Preserving: Excellent for canning or slow-roasted tomato preserves.
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Farm-to-table appeal: Chefs adore its color and depth in gourmet dishes.
🌿 Growing Tips (garden-tested):
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Start indoors: Sow seeds 6–8 weeks before last frost.
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Transplanting: Move outside after danger of frost has passed and nights stay above 55°F.
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Spacing: Allow 24–36 inches between plants.
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Support: Indeterminate growth, provide strong stakes or cages for vines.
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Soil: Prefers rich, loamy soil with good drainage. Amending with compost boosts yield.
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Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but never soggy. Mulch helps retain even moisture.
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Feeding: Fertilize every 3–4 weeks with a balanced tomato fertilizer.
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Harvest: Around 80–85 days from transplant. Fruits are ready when fully colored, with a deep plum-burgundy skin that gives slightly under gentle pressure.
💡 Pro Tip: Ukrainian Purple is one of those varieties where the flavor deepens the longer it stays on the vine. Pick at full ripeness for the richest taste, almost smoky, with a silky texture that melts into sauces and roasts.
🌍 Perfect For:
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Home gardeners: Reliable, hardy, and always rewarding.
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Chefs & food lovers: Adds bold flavor and dramatic color to any dish.
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Seed collectors: A must-have heirloom from Eastern Europe.
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Market growers: Eye-catching plum fruits stand out on farm stands and CSA boxes.
✨ Why You’ll Love It:
The Ukrainian Purple Tomato is not just another tomato, it’s a statement. Its deep, jewel-toned fruits are as gorgeous in the garden as they are on the plate, and its flavor is bold enough to transform ordinary meals into something memorable. Whether you roast them until caramelized, simmer them into a hearty sauce, or slice them fresh with basil and olive oil, these tomatoes will surprise you with their depth and complexity.
Grow Ukrainian Purple this season and discover why heirlooms from Eastern Europe are so beloved: they’re beautiful, reliable, and packed with flavor that lingers long after the harvest. 🌿🍅